The Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, made the announcement on Monday during the 2026 Policy Meeting of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) in Abuja.

Alausa explained that the exemption also covers candidates applying for programmes in technology, agriculture, and related disciplines.

He said the decision was aimed at improving access to critical education and strengthening skills-based training programmes across the country.

However, he stressed that applicants must still meet the required O’Level qualifications to be eligible for admission.

In a related development, JAMB also confirmed that candidates seeking admission into Education programmes and non-engineering Agriculture courses will no longer be required to sit for the UTME.

The board disclosed this in a post on its official X handle on Monday during its ongoing policy meeting on admissions.

“Candidates seeking admissions into Education Programmes and Agriculture non-Engineering Courses are now exempted from UTME,” JAMB stated.

The annual JAMB policy meeting is typically used to set admission guidelines, including cut-off marks and other requirements for tertiary institutions across Nigeria.

The command confirmed that the suspects were arrested on May 7, 2026, following a rapid response by operatives acting on credible intelligence.

According to a statement issued on Monday by the Police Public Relations Officer, Eno Ikoedem, the suspects were allegedly mobilising from Okpella to carry out attacks on rival groups before they were intercepted.

The suspects were identified as Abiola Anabgaifo (33), Idogo Joshua (28), Oseni Sani (22), Aminu Abubakar (19), Iyamah Precious (29), Usman Rapheal (29), Ogene Jude (31), Ibrahim Akeem (27), Tunde Bright (20), Jude Edeh (21), Godwin Edeh (19), and Aigbona Clifford (20).

The statement read in part:
“Operatives of the Edo State Police Command in collaboration with the Edo State Security Corps have arrested 12 suspected cultists at Amazing Grace Estate, Elele Community, Uzairue, Auchi in Edo North following operatives’ swift response to credible intelligence.

“The suspects were arrested on 7th May, 2026 at about 6:00 pm after they allegedly mobilised from Okpella to launch attacks on perceived rivals.”

Preliminary investigations reportedly revealed that seven of the suspects admitted to being members of cult groups, with some linked to the Aye and Vikings confraternities.

“Preliminary investigations showed that seven of the suspects confessed to being cultists, with some identified as members of the Aye and Vikings confraternities,” the statement added.

Authorities also recovered a grey Mercedes-Benz Jeep with registration number GWA 471 DS, said to belong to one Balogun Isreal, who is currently at large.

The Commissioner of Police, Monday Agbonika, commended the operatives for their swift action and professionalism, assuring that the command would intensify its crackdown on cultism and violent crimes across the state.

He added that all suspects had been transferred to the Anti-Cultism Unit for further investigation and would be charged to court upon conclusion of the probe.

The police further warned criminal elements to either repent or leave the state, reiterating its commitment to maintaining peace and security in Edo.

Reports indicate that Don Jazzy made the statement during a recent episode of the Crea8torium podcast, where he praised Johnny Drille’s uniqueness and unmatched artistry.

The Mavin Records boss said the singer stands out with no real competition in the industry, highlighting his versatility and creative range.

“If you look at the Nigerian music industry right now, there is nobody like Johnny Drille. He is in a world of his own. He is like the best musician—the complete musician that I know. He is versatile. He mixes, writes, sings. He does everything,” Don Jazzy said.

He further praised Johnny Drille’s consistency, noting that his live performances are as strong as his studio recordings.

“He is also an amazing performer—the way he sounds in the studio is the same way he sounds in live shows,” he added.

Meanwhile, Nigerian singer Tiwa Savage has reflected on her transition from R&B to Afrobeats after returning to Nigeria in 2012.

Tiwa Savage, who began her career abroad as a backup singer for international stars like George Michael and Mary J. Blige, later returned home and joined Mavin Records as her career shifted toward Afrobeats.

In an interview with TVC, she credited Don Jazzy for playing a major role in her transition, saying he helped reshape her mindset and encouraged her to believe in limitless possibilities.

According to the “Kele Kele Love” singer, Don Jazzy opened her mind to new creative directions and assured her she could achieve anything she focused on.

Tiwa Savage added that she has no regrets returning to Nigeria or embracing Afrobeats, describing the decision as a defining moment in her career.